Happy Krishna Ashtami greetings!
Swami Vivekananda succinctly gives the central teaching of Sri Krishna when he says that “…the doctrine which stands out luminously in every page of the Gita is intense activity, but in the midst of it, eternal calmness. This is the secret of Work, to attain which is the goal of Vedanta…” On this auspicious occasion of Sri Krishna Ashtami celebration, may the Almighty be ever gracious in enabling us to practice Vedanta in our day to-day life as propounded and practiced by the Holy Trio is my fervent prayer!
This year Lord Sri Krishna allowed me to practice that intense activity without losing my calmness. I repeat here what I wrote last year : In India, in no centre of ours, I had witnessed such an elaborate festival! The devotion of the devotees is worth noting; what a verve and vigour in singing bhajans! And faith and fervour in performing worship! And the day-long fasting and sitting in the temple for such long hours – absolutely maintaining utmost discipline – no chitchat, no gossip and all are tuned to the discourse and songs, well, I was greatly pleased and impressed with a new kind of experience that gave a boost to my devotional practices!
And my tour program was like this:
06 Aug – Estcourt Gayatri Temple
07 Aug – Ladysmith Sub centre
08 Aug – Dundee Sub centre
09 Aug – Morn – Newcastle sub centre
09 Aug – Even – Glencoe Hindu Temple
10 Aug – Even – Pietermaritzburg sub centre
10 Aug – Night – Pietermaritzburg Sri Vishnu Temple
11 Aug – Morn – Phoenix sub centre for the senior citizens
11 Aug – Even – Chatsworth sub centre
13 Aug – Asherville Sri Sarada Devi Ashram
14 Aug – Last session of Krishna ashtami in HQ
Happy news to our readers! This Blog started on January 23, 2008, had crossed 10 thousand hits within a span of seven months and now by the grace of Master, Mother and Swamiji has crossed 30 thousand hits ! I cannot but thank every one of you who avidly reads and sends me interesting comments.
Have a look at AMATOMU. It’s a new service created by the Mail & Guardian Online that tracks the South African blogosphere. Under the category Religion, the first 25 Popular Religion Blogs are listed (of course all South African!). And as readers of this Blog you will be pleased to know that “Vedanta in practice” has climbed up the ladder to come as 3rd by Reads!
Another news too!
IndiRank is a system, built to rank the blogs in the IndiBlogger network. Although every blog is manually verifiable before it’s allowed into the network, the IndiRank system is completely automated. It’s like ‘runs’ in a game of cricket – the higher the score, the higher ranking it means. Blogs are ranked on a scale of 1-100 and this blog now that is as on date, ranks 67!
I give below the Amatomu Charts for further clarification:
Vedanta in Practice 
Aum Namo Narayanaya Maharaj,
My humblest pranams.
I would like to let you know that your blog has surpassed 30000 hits!
A milestone of note in such a short space of time!
With Master’s grace, may we all continue to be blessed by your divine inspirations.
Jai Sri Ramakrishna!
Shaiel
Dundee, KwaZulu N Natal, SA
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Dear Shaiel
Thanks for your interest!
May my humble service through this E-medium elevate us in our spiritual life!
On this auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Jayanti may we remember His eternal teaching through Gita!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Congratulations!
Glory to our Master!
Avitha
Pietermaritzburg, SA
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Dear Avitha
Yes, whatever we do, may that be done as offering to the Master. On this auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Jayanti may we remember His teaching :
yat karoshi yadashnaasi yaj jugoshi dadaasi yat|
yat tapasyasi kaunteya tad kurushva madarpanam||
whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer in sacrifice, whatever you give away, whatever austerity you practice, O Kaunteya! do it as an offering to Me! (IX.27)
May Sri Krishna bestow you the right attitude for ever!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Adarneeya Maharaj,
Saadar Pranaam.
I have coined a new term KOI SHAQ (ANY DOUBT) in Hindi. I will repeat the same here KOI SHAQ NAHIN that VEDANTA IN PRACTICE IS SCALING NEW AND NEWER HEIGHTS.
I think Internet is such a powerful tool and can be used most effectively in spreading HOLY TRIO’s Teachings and Message.
I remember Swamiji’s words which said that One should chant mantras in shrine and work in field also… To maintain such a rigorous schedule amidst your own Spiritual Practice and on top of updating Blog, is so much inspirational and motivating.
My humble Pranaams on twin occassion of KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI and INDEPENDENCE DAY.
Bharat Churiwala
Mumbai, India
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Dear Bharat
Thank you for your warm greetings!
Yes! technology has scaled to such incredible heights! How amazing that within seconds our messages are sent to all parts of the world at any time of day or night especially when it is of a spiritual nature. I would like to thank you for being such an avid reader to the blog and regularly adding your comments, is an added bonus!
Feedback on the postings gives me an idea of the thoughts of the readers.
With prayers
Swami Vimokshananda
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Pranam Maharaj !
I am Bijay from Jhumritelaiya. Do you remember Akhil Bharat Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal’s Youth training camp at Jhumritelaiya on Nov.2006?
After a long gap I found you ! This year also we are going to organize youth training camp at Jhumritelaiya in October.
Kindly bless us for the success of the camp.
Bijay Kumar Singh
Jhumritelaiya, Jharkhand, India
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Dear Bijay
Meraa namaskaar evam shubhaashish!
Yes! I do very well remember you. How many times while either traveling to Patna or while returning by our vehicle, I was given hearty hospitality by your entire family!
I am happy to read about the youth camp; it is so important to hold these training camps for our youth. I applaud these youth camps wholeheartedly! It is an excellent learning exercise for not only youth, but also for the trainers. I remember when I was invited in your Camp some time back and you published my speech too in your publication. That was a wonderful opportunity for me to interact with the youth volunteers who were inspired by Swamiji’s igniting words.
May the Blessings of the Holy Trio be upon all of the youth and devotees at Jhumritelaiya! Welcome your keeping in touch!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Dear Swamiji
Divine shakti flooded the birth of Krishna in the temple last night!
Bhagavan Sri Krishna danced, devotees clapped and sang in bliss, the Holy Trio smiled in serenity.
Jai Sri Krishna!
Brian Eriksson
Durban, SA
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Dear Brian
Bliss….. yes Divine Bliss was echoing throughout the satsang period at our Temple. The programme started with puja to Sri Radha-Govinda at 6 pm and went on past midnight with two sessions of recital, chanting, bhajans, discourses and meditation. It was a celebration of the birthless Lord’s birth! At every temple, ashram and home of His devotees it was observed!
May thoughts of the Lord be with you always and may you feel that “Divine Bliss” daily.
Swami Vimokshananda
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Most Revered Maharaj
Om Namo Narayanaya.
Obeisances to the Holy Trinity, Swamiji Maharaj, Swami Saradaprabhanandaji Maharaj and Pravarajika Ishtaprana Mataji.
On reading this post, I could not help but think of Swami Vivekananda…..how He literally bounded the ocean having received Mother’s Grace, and it is through the very same Grace that Swamiji Maharaj is virtually crossing oceans and touching the hearts and souls of so many individuals. Swami Vivekananda expressed His elation openly at having heard that He had Mother’s blessings. Maharaj’s joy at this milestone is reminiscent of that same emotion.
On a personal level, I have to confess how eagerly I await every new post, and how regularly I visit this sacred space called a “blog”! It is almost like a place of pilgrimage. Thanks are due to Swamiji Maharaj!
Hari Om Tat Sat !
Nirmala Balkaran
Ladysmith, SA
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Dear Sister
You are right that it is only by the Grace of our Merciful Master that this blog has gained so much recognition. Jai Sri Thakur!
It is so wonderful to note that you and so many other devotees regularly visit the blog. “Place of Pilgrimage”! How beautiful a phrase! if this blog brings peace of mind, solace and knowledge to devotees, then know for sure that the Hand of Master is working silently through these postings.
Swami Vimokshananda
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Respected Maharaj,
Please accept my sincerest pronam.
On this wonderful occasion of Krishna Ashtami it is worth mentioning that SA has realised the core of this festival, as Thakur used to say “gujja katha“.
We, indians ought to be thankful to the Master and our Holy Mother who have once again demonstrated that religion and love know no bounds.
I, as an Indian, feel proud that so many like-minded people have come together and the binding force is our beloved Sri Ramakrishna.
JAI SRI RAMAKRISHNA !
Yours in the Lord,
Ritayan
Kolkata, India
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Dear Ritayan
Thank you for your comment!
Yes! The spread of the Holy Trio’s message far and wide is happening at His own Will. Linking devotees within the World Wide Web is His work. If we feel truly that we are nothing but instruments in that process then we are indeed blessed. The devotees here are deeply committed to the Holy Trio and celebrate all major festivals with much devotion and solemnity. It is overwhelming to note their love, knowledge and steadfastness to the Holy Trio. I will try and post some pictures so that you can have a feel of the festivals here.
Swami Vimokshananda
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Param Pujaniya Amaar Maharaj ji,
I get ‘concerned’ about your super-active commitments: 11 places in 8 days. Your health is very important to us.
Your Blog, “Vedanta in Practice” uplifts me upon reading it and sometimes the messages linger on for a considerable time.
Maharaj, it is not the number of readers or the rank the Blog holds in South African blogosphere important but, how many readers benefited from the materials in the blog. In this context your Blog is more worthy. I feel that Vedanta in Practice is silently functioning, with the Order’s motto: “Atmano mokshartham Jagad hitaya ca”.
Pranam my Maharaj!
Dr Hiru Mukherjee
London, UK
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Dear Hiru babu
I am overwhelmed at the love and affection that you bestow upon me. My hearty thanks for your ‘concern’ about my health. By Sri Thakur’s grace, I am in the pink! As Sri Krishna says in the Gita, “bhraamayan sarva bhutaani yantra aarudhaani maayayaa” By His Maya, the Ishwara causes all beings to revolve as if mounted on a machine, is so true that if he decides to continue this running about, this body and mind would be doing so. And if He withdraws that strength, no lamentation. Thats also good for me. I am trying to practice the wonderful teaching of Swami Shivanandaji (Mahapurush Maharaj) whose last words during his Talks at the 1926 First Convention reminds me for ever:
I am happy to note that this blog is in some way benefiting you. Yes, you are indeed right when you say that the numbers and rank are not important. I cannot but agree with you. Regarding the number of readers getting benefits, well, you are one of them! There are innumerable devotees that I meet in SA who do express their happiness in being its readers. A few of course send in Comments. Bharat from Mumbai says “Reading COMMENTS and then YOUR RESPONSES itself has become a regular feature of my E WORSHIP OF HOLY TRIO”. Very recently Nirmala from SA said that “…how regularly I visit this sacred space called a “blog”! It is almost like a place of pilgrimage.” Yet I must confess that I do NOT know HOW MANY are benefited. Neither I want to know that. I feel blessed whatever happens.
Swami Vimokshananda
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Om Namo Narayanaya Maharaj.
Congratulations Maharaj on achieving this milestone.
Maharaj’s messages are inspiring a Nation.
Veresh
Durban, SA
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Thanks Veresh! for your visit.
My prayer is may we all be inspired by His grace!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Dear Maharaji
Om Namo Narayanaya!
Humble Pranams!
The topics from Maharaj’s blog are so inspirational that, we find that not only devotees from our PMB sub centre but also the devotees from other spiritual organizations, discussing the blog very interestedly! The other devotees usually speak to me and other officials of our Centre and express their eagerness to be in the holy company of Maharaj every time.
We all are really inspired and blessed by Maharaj’s Talks and hence the loving anticipation to sit under the feet of Maharaj at PMB shrine.
Thank you Maharaji for your love, kindness and guiding and sharing with us spiritual knowledge!
My pranams at Swamijee’s feet! My pranams at Swami Saradaprahbanandaji’s feet!
Jai Sri Ramakrishna!
Yours in the Service of the Master
Sunil
Pietermaritzburg, SA
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Dear Sunil
Yes, I do visit PMB, once in a month, that is every first Friday, to conduct the class on Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. Initially only the devotees of the centre were attending. But later, as months progressed, I started noticing many new people who belong to other spiritual organizations. It was most welcome as Master’s Gospel is universal in its approach to Life’s problems. Any one pursuing a spiritual path, irrespective of his personal beliefs, can draw inspiration from the Gospel. I am glad that the number of attendees is quite increasing and ultimately they all would derive immense benefits as listening to the Gospel would invariably bring “shravana-mangalam”.
May His blessings be on all of you!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Dear Swamijee
Aum Namo Narayanaya.
The devotion that you see in the devotees is ‘your own Devotion‘ inspired in us all with your Presence.
Thank you for Your (always) Inspiring Presence!
Dr Naren Rana
Durban, SA
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Dear Dr Rana
Thanks for your visit! I know how extremely busy you are. In spite of the tight schedule you do write in the Google Group of Devotees of Holy Trio.
I do not have any parameter to understand how much ‘devotion’ I have but I have definitely felt that mine is far much inferior to that of many seemingly ‘ordinary’ devotees from whom I try to draw inspiration.
Swami Vimokshananda
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Respected Swamiji
I happened to attend the Krishna ashtami celebration at your Ashram on 14th night and stayed past midnight till the end. I enjoyed really the spiritual atmosphere that prevailed throughout the satsang. Though I am new, it was a pleasure to listen to your wonderful Talk.
I had a few doubts for long time regarding the birth of Krishna. And I should say, that by His grace, you cleared all my doubts one by one.
Thank you Swamiji!
ReshaRam
Durban, SA
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Dear ReshaRam
First, a happy welcome to our Ashram and to this website!
Indeed, on that night we, all devotees were, as it were, transported to Nandagram, where Sri Krishna was transferred after birth. The joy was palpable in every one’s heart. That was the grace of Sri Krishna who by His inscrutable power brought you to this place to clear your doubts.
Be grateful to the Lord by increasing your devotion to Him.
Swami Vimokshananda
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Dearest Maharaj
Aum Namo Narayanaya
Congratulations on this most wonderful achievement!
Thank you for your most inspiring talk at Asherville on Thursday night – I felt very emotional.
Is Maharaj sporting a new look now?
Best wishes
Prof Anil Chuturgoon
Durban, SA
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Dear Anil
I am happy that you liked the Talk at Asherville Sri Sarada Devi Ashram. Well, if you had ‘felt very emotional’, then that was what the desired effect. As you know bhakti that is Devotion is intimately connected with the faculty of Emotion. One of the signs of growing in bhakti is the heart must be moved in listening to the Lord’s glory. The moment you hear the story of God, eyes moistened, shedding tears, body hair standing on ends, unable to speak out, unable to stand loud noise etc are some of the other signs of advanced bhakti.
May you be bestowed with bhakti-rasa is my prayer.
No new look! Oh! you mean the beard!? Thats temporary!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Srimat Swami Vimokshanandaji Maharaj
OM NAMO NARAYANAYA
My humble pranaams at the holy feet of most Revered Maharaj.
30,000 hits! Blessed are all those people who have had the chance to receive the divine message in this ‘e world’ through Maharaj’s blog. Thank you for this Maharaj.
The Krishna Ashtamee celebrations this year was simply DIVINE. What a feast for the soul!
We hope that Maharaj takes some time to rest after such a heavanly but also, a very tiring program.
Yours in the service of Master
Avinash
Durban, SA.
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Avinash
Thanks for your kind words!
The first time I saw how the Janmashtami celebration is done here, I was amazed. There were Satsangs every evening from the first day to the last ashtami day. Satsang had a definite pattern. On the evening of the ashtami, Satsang had two sessions. Everyday I had to speak somewhere that is either at HQ or any of our branches. Even there was a little cradle where the baby murty of Lord Sri Krishna was kept which was rocked by every devotee. The temple was beautifully decorated. This year is the third time that I had the blessed opportunity to witness the entire function. I agree with you that it ‘was simply DIVINE’.
The main cause of devotees getting full spiritual benefit in our Centres is, I believe that we don’t have ‘other tamaashaas’.
Thanks for your concern about my health. It is He who takes work and if He wants would give me rest too.
May Master bless you and Anu!
Swami Vimokshananda
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|| Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||
My Salutations to Master, Holy Mother, Swamiji and revered Maharaj.
Dearest Maharaj
My humble greetings!
Congratulations on this wonderful achievement. Your blog is such an inspirational read. I cannot wait for Saturdays to attend satsang at HQ to listen to your divine discourses. Through Master’s grace, I have the opportunity to experience that divine grace anytime through this electronic medium.
Thank you Swamiji!
With love always
Yogan
Tongaat, SA
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Dear Yogan
Jai Sri Ramakrishna!
Yes, I have been noticing your regular presence in our weekly satsangs. Your keen interest in listening to the discourses is well appreciated. I am so happy that for the very first time, in the near future, you are going to visit Mother India and would be staying in Belur Math. What a golden opportunity for you to come into contact with so many monks! And they are verily walking ‘electrifying media’!
With love and prayers
Swami Vimokshananda
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Om Namo Narayanaya
Revered Maharaj,
My humble pranams at your lotus feet.
I trust Maharaj is well with the hectic schedule that has passed. We at SSDA were truly blessed to have Maharaj’s presence during Krishna Ashtamee. A truly inspiring talk! The leelas of Bhagavan Krishna truly awakens the soul. One naturally gets emotional and the pictures become vivid in the mind. Truly ‘Natkat Nandalala’. :):):)
Congratulations on surpassing the 30 000 mark, being 67/100 on the indirank, no 3 in the SA blogs. What a great achievement in such a short time.
When i first saw the title of this new post, I wondered what ‘hit cannot hurt’. On opening the post, I was very happy to see the contents.
This hit surely cannot hurt physically, but directly hits the soul spiritually!
Thank you Bharatji for keeping us updated with the statistics!
Pranam
jyothi
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Jyothi
Thanks for your appreciative comment! My visit to SSDA (for the newcomers – SSDA means Sri Sarada Devi Ashram) by Mother’s grace happens once in a month (second Sunday) when I conduct discourse on ‘Women Devotees of Sri Ramakrishna’. Whoever visits that Ashram can palpably feel the prevalence of loving vibrations of motherly affection. It is this that makes the speaker as well as listeners united in Mother and emotion swells up.
I heard from some of the devotees there that on the eighth night when I finished speaking, that for the first time during the 8-day celebration, the leelas of Sri Krishna were discussed while on all other preceding 7 days, they heard only about the teachings of the Lord like Gita etc. And that was the night Belur math observed Krishna Jayanti ! You might have noticed from my response to one of the Comments that speaker as well as listener both become ‘involved’ in Krishna thoughts for good.
You have, indeed hit the bull’s eye when you said that the hit in my title ‘hits the soul spiritually‘
May your devotion to Holy Mother be intensified!
Swami Vimokshananda
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OM NAMO NARAYANAYA
My humble pranaams at the holy feet of most Revered Maharaj. My pranams at Swami Saradaprahbanandaji’s feet!
Congratulations Maharaj on achieving this milestone.
Thank you for your most inspiring Talk at Glencoe on the 09 August.
Maharaj’s messages are inspiring to us all.
Yours in the Service of the Master
Rishi Luckan
Glencoe, KZN Northern, SA
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Rishi
Many thanks for your kind hospitality at your home as well as at Glencoe Hindu Temple during my visit to Northern Natal when the Hindus all over SA were celebrating Sri Krishna Ashtami. One of the noticeable features of the Glencoe Satsang Group on that day was really mesmerizing. Since it was baby Krishna’s birth day celebration, throughout the program from welcome to vote of thanks – all were conducted by the children who are indeed dear to me and indeed they did with aplomb!
Yes! I too enjoyed the vibrant satsangs at all the Northern Natal centres. The atmosphere in the temple was charged with wonderful holy vibrations and I was happy to spend time with all Northern Natal devotees.
May the Lord increase faith in all devotees immensely!
Swami Vimokshananda
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Om Namo Narayanaya
Dear Maharaj,
Congratulations!
Sri Ramakrishna, our Master is showing us that nothing is impossible if we just take his name and go forward.
We were very disappointed that we were unable to meet you and listen to your inspiring talk on Sri Krishna. That is why I believe that we (devotees) have to try and get your new spiritual talks downloaded on your blog. It brings us great joy to hear your talks even when we at the office.
Jai Sri Durga, Jai Sri Durga, Jai Sri Durga
Natasha and Vishal
Newcastle, SA
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||Sri Ramakrishna sharanam||
Dear Natasha & Vishal
Yes, indeed Mom told me that you both with child Shriya were away when she met me at Newcastle sub centre after my Talks. I understand you are one of the avid listeners. Those who missed my Talks will, in a short time, be able to listen through my Blog itself. Your suggestion has come at the right time! You know I was uploading some of my selected Talks to SoundCloud which is quite satisfactory. Recently to my great pleasure, the SoundCloud is integrated with wordpress.com where I am having my Blog. So, really it has become so easy to place my Talks in a New Page with the Title My Talks.. There, without any outside player you can just click and listen! no hassles at all! Generally SoundCloud is used by most of the western- style musicians to upload their creations. So far I have not come across any Indian musician’s works. Some one was telling me that I am the only one with Talks (which is entirely different from Music!) being uploaded! Still its a marvelous service.
Please bear with me the delay in uploading my Talks.
May your devotion to Divine Mother Durga be doubled!
Swami Vimokshananda
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